Cheer
/tʃɪr/noun
A feeling of joy or encouragement; also, to shout encouragement.
Did you know?In Middle English, cheer could mean not just mood but also face or expression, which is why phrases like “good cheer” originally pointed to the outward sign of an inner state.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵer-
“to turn, bend”
Late Latin
Latin
cara
“face, countenance”
Old French
Old French
chiere
“face, expression; welcome, entertainment”
Middle English
English
chere
“face, look, mood; gladness, comfort”
Modern English
English
cheer
“gladness, encouragement; to shout approval”